What good times! Block parties, bazaars, church picnics, and other festivals have been popular summertime events in the Coal Region for many years. Many of these are still going strong. All of them bring back fond memories for Coal Crackers, the common thread being food, beer, and good friends. They are wonderful examples of the rich cultural and ethnic tapestry that thrives in the Coal Region to this day.

Here's the Top Ten....

The Ashland Boys Association (ABA) Parade - AshlandThe ABA Parade and Party has been happening for 99 years and is still going strong! Lots of people submitted memories about this party, including watching the Ashland Mummers perform, drinking beer out of milkshake cups, being chased by the "wild Indians", and making your own confetti. Occurs every Labor Day.

Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Festival - ShenandoahPart block party and part religious festival, the Italian Church festival has been an annual event for decades. A major part of the festival is the traditional parade through town where church members carry a statue of the Blessed Virgin and parade watchers pin money to the statue. The block party serves Italian wedding soup, pizza fritta, and pasta fazole. The whole thing is topped off by fireworks at the end of the night. Occurs in July.

Yorkville Hosie Block Party - PottsvilleWith 10 cent beers on a Tuesday night, the Yorkville Hosie still attracts a big crowd! This is a favorite party for the south of the mountain crowd.

Lithuanian Day - Lakewood ParkIn its heyday, this festival was so popular that folks would sleep overnight on the picnic tables to save a spot for the next day. Lots of people sent in their memories of fun times at Lakewood Park: the train, the wild mouse, the penny arcade, the rowboats. The big party was in the Lakewood Ballroom. The festival occurred on a Sunday in mid-August. It is now held at the Schuylkill Mall.

Bavarian Summer Festival - Lakewood ParkThis was the largest of the ethnic festivals held each year at Lakewood. Real German oompah bands and local polka bands performing in the ballroom. At it's peak in the mid 70's, the festival attracted celebrities such as Billy Carter and the Hell's Angels Motorcycle Club (!). Affectionately known as the Barbarian Festival, this party included the original polka mosh pit.

Polish American Fire Co. Block Party - ShenandoahAnother great Shenandoah block party, this one with all the Polish trappings: halupkies, pierogies, and of course, bleenies.

Transfiguration Ukrainian Catholic Church Block Party - ShamokinSome of the best churchlady pierogies and great bean soup. The premier summer party in Shamokin. Held the first week in August.

St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church Picnic - PrimroseSt. Nick's church is located in Minersville. The annual picnic is held outdoors in Primrose. This party has been an annual event for decades. We're talkin' great Ukrainian foods, polka music, and beer.